Some shows I've been checking out week to week.
Abbott Elementary. Really fun. It's cut from the same cloth as The Office and Parks and Recreations, yet already feels settled into that season 3 sweet spot without the growing pains those had.
Bel Air. With or without directly comparing it to the sitcom, it's intriguing if unusual. Plenty has been said about the parody feel in transitioning from comedy to drama. After the initial episode, that sinks away. They hit you with it all up front. Carlton snorting pills. Geoffrey is a bodyguard/fixer. What's different is how it approaches authenticity wrt black culture, and Will Smith (it never clicked how the fictional character Will Smith played was named Will Smith) is the catalyst for the Banks family re-embracing it. Interested to see it develop. Last episode I watched had Uncle Phil bonding with Will over basketball and admitting he build a court for Carlton. Carlton plays lacrosse.
Pam and Tommy. Before learning of Craig Gillespie's involvement, there were I Tonya vibes from it. Pacing is wonky as it tries keeping that energy up for an entire show. But it is that vibe. Reasonable job at being authentically early 90s, only overplayed a touch with all the music. I read some controversy around the show. Not consulting Pamela Anderson. Toning down the abusive relationship. Recreating the stolen tape shot for shot. Having it be this goofy hyper reality where genitals speak. One example I read was recoloring Tommy Lee stalking Pamela Anderson and drugging her drinks as a wild and spontaneously fun act.
The Righteous Gemstones. Top tier. Whether it continues for another season or they move on, I'm in. Eastbound and Down, Vice Principles, and this have been great.